COFIT 2015 SpecialInternational Trade and Rates Forfaiting Association for ITFA Members EU University CERTIFICATE OF FINANCE Certified Course IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE ( Undergraduate Programme) The Certificate of Finance in International Trade gives you the edge in your financial career and is an opportunity to study and get certified at one of Europe’s most established Universities. Certificate of Finance in International Trade (COFIT) This programme aims to introduce the participant to the world of international trade, trade finance supply chain finance and commercial finance (factoring, invoice discounting and asset based lending). It will provide a sound framework for those wishing to pursue further study or seeking a career in this field. Career opportunities in international trade continue to grow even during periods of economic downturn and fluctuations in the business cycle; when companies are cutting costs, demand for capable and experienced professionals in this field tends to remain high. All presentations will be delivered in English. Follow this path and become a CERTIFIED TRADE FINANCE SPECIALIST Programme Objectives The Certificate of Finance in International Trade has been jointly developed by the University of Malta, International Factors Group (IFG) and FIMBank plc in order to meet the demands of the commercial world and offer a platform from which participants can increase their understanding of all aspects of International Trade, Import/Export Business, Logistics and Finance of International Trade. The main objective of the programme is to deliver a competitive, industry-focused educational programme that will provide the tools needed to achieve professional development goals in the finance of international trade. The emphasis throughout will be on the practical aspect of real life international trade scenarios. Benefits for the Participant Benefits for the Employer • COFIT offers a unique learning experience in a truly international • T r a d e F i n a n c e a n d W o r k i n g C a p i t a l S o l u t i o n s a r e m o r e a n d m o r e i n t e g r a t e d : environment. you need people who understand the different aspects of this new • Successful students receive a University Certificate with 30 ECTS environment • It is the only university program focused on all aspects of • COFIT offers you a unique opportunity to invest in your future top talent and Finance of International Trade to reward your best people • COFIT will help you understanding the interaction between • Participants will come back with hands-on knowledge and ideas to grow different forms of finance available in international trade your business • It will provide you a core of essential knowledge to help build • COFIT is developed by industry experts for the industry : nowhere else you your career in International Trade can find similar education on university level • COFIT is hard work, but will also give you a network of new friends • The program has a university certification, but remains at a very reasonable from all over the world cost compared to post-graduate programmes which have less focus on your real business environment The programme will not only aim to develop skills in finance from an international perspective but also to provide the student with the knowledge and understanding of economic, political and financial risk factors which are affecting the world economy. The programme should also appeal to those who may be interested in following a career in commerce, banking, supply chain management or those wishing to pursue further their academic studies. The IFG week on commercial finance (factoring, asset based lending & Supply Chain Finance) can be taken independently and is ideal for new staff in a factoring bank division or factoring company working at middle to senior level that need to have a more complete view of the industry. Programme Content During this programme, students will learn about the key aspects and developments in international trade, trade finance, supply chain finance and commercial finance and other related topics. By the end of the intensive four week programme, students will be able to understand and evaluate the factors shaping today’s international trading environment. This innovative programme will provide a sound framework for those wishing to seek a career in this field or to pursue their The first university certified trade academic studies and to achieve 30 ECTS credits. finance programme in Europe. Unique world class faculty combining market experts from 3 This programme emphasizes the practical aspects of real life leading institutions. international trade scenarios, skills that are needed in order to cope with the increasingly complex global trade finance scenarios. About Programme Syllabus University of Malta The programme is built around 4 residential modules of 1 week each. The University of Malta (UOM) is one of the oldest in the Mediterranean. It traces its origins to the founding of the Collegium Melitense which was set up through direct papal intervention in 1592. It was run by the Jesuits who were empowered to confer Module 1: “The Global Environment for International Trade” the degrees of Magister Philosophiae and Doctor Divinitatis. Lecturers: Academics from the University of Malta The main campus is situated at Msida. The other campus is in Valletta where it is Topics will include: Introduction; Documentary Collections, housed in the Old University Building which dates back to the founding of the Interpretation of Accounting Statements, International Trade Overview, Collegium Melitense and incorporates the Aula Magna. The Valletta Campus also Comparative Advantage and Ricardian Model, The Political Economy serves as a prestigious setting for the hosting of international conferences, seminars, of Trade Policy / Developing Countries, Interpretation of Economic short courses and summer schools. Statistics The University today has fourteen faculties and a number of interdisciplinary centres and institutes and is looking firmly into the future blending tradition with innovation and developing programmes such as the Certificate in International Trade Finance, an industry-focused educational programme that the market has Module 2: “Products and Practical Applications of Trade Finance” long demanded. Lecturers: Experienced Practitioners from FIMBank Topics will include: Financial Instruments supporting Trade finance, Nowadays there are around 11,000 students, including 650 international students, following full-time or part-time degree and diploma courses, many of them run on Trade Based Money Laundering and Financial Crime, Structured the modular or credit system. The degree courses are designed to produce highly Commodity Finance, The Risks and Challenges of International Trade qualified professionals, with experience of research, who will play key roles in and Forfaiting. industry, commerce and public affairs in general. For further information about the UOM please visit www.um.edu.mt and for the UOM Department of Banking and Finance please visit www.um.edu.mt/fema/ Module 3: “ Tools and Techniques for International Trade Finance” bankingfinance Lecturers: Academics from the University of Malta Topics will include: International Business Financing, Aspects of About International Marketing for the Banking Industry, Developing Countries: Growth, Crises and Reform, International Business Financing, Islamic International Factors Group Finance and Emerging Markets. International Factors Group (IFG) is the worldwide trade association for the Commercial Finance Industry, active since 1963. IFG is represented in more than Module 4: “Commercial Finance” 60 countries by more than 150 members and supports Factoring companies, ABL Lenders and Financial Institutions and service providers active in Factoring and Lecturers: Experienced practitioners from IFG Supply Chain Finance. IFG promotes the Commercial Finance Industry, supports Topics will include: Introduction to the different forms of Commercial the development in new countries and facilitates international business between Finance (Factoring, Invoice Discounting, Asset Based Lending, Reverse members through the two-factor cross-border platform. IFG promotes networking Factoring, Supply Chain Finance), Foundation skills in Marketing, Sales and alliances in the industry, represents and informs the industry and is globally recognized as the competence centre for the Commercial Finance Industry. and Account Management in Commercial Finance, Risk Management, Fraud prevention, Legal Aspects in Commercial Finance An important part of IFG’s activities is development of best practices and top educational programs. Since 2010 IFG runs the highly successful “IFG Academy”, the only comprehensive programme on all aspects of Commercial Finance leading to a diploma of Factoring Professional. Through the cooperation with the Teaching and Assessment University of Malta and FimBank, the IFG Academy program has been integrated in the Accredited Certificate Programme on International Trade Finance. (It remains The programme is taught using a variety of methods, including possible for students to register only for the IFG week on Commercial Finance). lectures, group learning. To provide additional industry insight, some sessions are delivered by professionals from this sector. For further information about the IFG please visit www.ifgroup.com Taught modules are assessed by examinations and assignments. The COFIT certificate four module programme is currently